Warning issued for Brits flying easyJet and Ryanair to popular European country

Posted by Admin March 7, 2025 Travel

Passengers flying with Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways should expect disruption (Picture: Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Passengers flying to or returning from Italy this weekend have been warned to expect disruption, as a nationwide general strike is set for Saturday, March 8.

It could affect schools, healthcare, public offices and factories, as well as air, rail and public transport services across the country.

Those travelling with Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways are expected to be among those worst affected.

The three airlines each have more than 15 direct flights to key airports in Italian cities, including Milan, Venice, Rome, Naples and Florence.

The strike is expected to disrupt up to 70 direct flights between the UK and Italy, potentially affecting around 11,000 passengers.

However, according to Italy’s National Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC), flights operating between 7am to 10am and 6pm to 9pm are expected to proceed as scheduled, because these are protected time slots.

Travellers have been advised to arrive at airports early, and refer to their chosen airline for the latest updates.

Spokespersons for easyJet and Ryanair told Metro they do not currently expect any impact from the strike and are planning on operating normal schedules.

Passengers may not be entitled to compensation if the delay is outside the airline’s control (Picture: Getty Images)

The strike follows previous walk-outs in January and February this year, which led to widespread cancellations and delays.

The action is being backed by three Italian trade unions: the SLAI-COBAS, CUB and USI-CIT.

And Saturday’s strike will not be the last, with further action planned for March 16.

Baggage handlers across Italy are expected to strike for 24 hours on this day, while workers at Techno Sky, a company that deals with the operation and maintenance of air traffic control systems, plan to stage a separate four-hour strike from 12pm.

Air travel in Italy is expected to resume as normal on March 20.

What to do if your flight is cancelled due to strikes

Passengers may not receive compensation for disruption due to strikes, because it is outside of the airlines’ control, but there are other things passengers are entitled to if their flight is delayed or cancelled.

Under UK law, airlines must provide care and assistance if a flight is delayed more than two hours for a short-haul flight, more than three hours for a medium-haul flight, or more than four hours for a long-haul flight.

This can include free meals, accommodation and transport to and from the airport.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) explains: ‘If your flight has been delayed or cancelled, the airline should inform you when you will be able to fly to your destination. You can also ask staff at the airport, check the airline’s website (often the quickest way) or call them.’

What other services will be affected?

Train services will also be affected by the general strike from 9pm on March 7 until 9pm on March 8.

Later in the month, a 24-hour railway strike will take place from 9pm on 18 March until 9pm on March 19, affecting trains operated by Trenitalia, Italo, Trenord, and Trenitalia Tper.

Essential services on strike days are guaranteed between 6am and 9am and 6pm and 9pm on weekdays.

At a regional level, transport workers in Messina and Catania, Sicily, will strike for four hours on March 10, while public transportation in Palermo and Latina will be affected by a 24-hour walkout on March 15.

Additional regional rail strikes will take place in some areas of Italy between March 21 and 22.

Travellers should check their train provider’s website in advance to verify schedules, and consider alternative modes of transport.

Make sure to allow extra time when moving between airports, train stations, and city centres.

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